AUSTERITY OF POETRY°
Reading edition
AUSTERITY OF POETRY°
°1That son of Italy° who tried to blow, °2Ere Dante° came, the trump of sacred song, °3In his light youth° amid a festal throng Sate with his bride to see a public show. 5Fair was the bride, and on her front did glow Youth like a star; and what to youth belong— Gay raiment, sparkling gauds, elation strong. A prop gave way! crash fell a platform! lo, 'Mid struggling sufferers, hurt to death, she lay! 10Shuddering, they drew her garments off—and found °11A robe of sackcloth° next the smooth, white skin. Such, poets, is your bride, the Muse! young, gay, Radiant, adorn'd outside; a hidden ground Of thought and of austerity within.